The Royal Gorge as a day trip
The Royal Gorge is a deep canyon west of Colorado Springs, and Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is the attraction built around the bridge over it. It sits well outside the Colorado Springs area, so plan it as its own day rather than squeezing it between Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. This site is an independent guide, not the park's own website.
The operator gives the drive from Colorado Springs as about 60 miles (97 km) and 1.5 hours, using CO 115 south and US 50 west. A local tourism portal says about 1 hour. Both are rough figures, and traffic can change either one, so allow the longer value when you set a start time.
Tickets and prices in 2026
Online prices as listed for 2026. A listed price is not a promise of a seat on your day.
| Ticket | Price in 2026 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (12 and up) | $39.95 | Online admission, listed as valid through 31 October 2026 |
| Child (3 to 11) | $34.95 | Same listing |
| Age 2 and under | Free | A ticket is still required |
| Zipline, Skycoaster, via ferrata | – | Sold as extras, not part of admission |
Admission covers the bridge, the gondola, the theater and the play area. Weather can limit what runs, the gondola included. Final taxes and fees can add to the listed price. The listing runs only through 31 October 2026, so look at the price for your own date. If online tickets are not available when you check, tickets can be bought on site.
Our picks: Royal Gorge
An entry ticket for the bridge and park, or a scenic train ride through the gorge.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Scenic train ride through the Royal Gorge
A 110-minute train ride in an open-air viewing car, with access to the café car and the depot shop. Food and drinks, hotel transfer and tips are not included.
Check availability →Royal Gorge Bridge and Park entry ticket
Entry with the aerial gondola when the weather allows, the theatre, a children's play area and summer entertainment. The Skycoaster, zipline and Via Ferrata cost extra.
Check availability →Royal Gorge tours and tickets
Bridge entry, zipline, rafting and railroad trips near Cañon City, with live prices and availability.
Planning the day
What to settle before you leave Colorado Springs.
When to arrive
The park is open every day of the year, including holidays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. according to the operator. Rides open at 10 a.m. No entry reservation is required. Weather can limit what runs, so look at the day's forecast before you drive.
How long to allow
With 1 to 1.5 hours each way, the drive alone takes up a good part of the day. Add time for the bridge, the gondola and anything you book as an extra. A morning start leaves room for the drive back.
What is included
The bridge, the gondola, the theater and the play area. The Skycoaster, ziplines and the via ferrata are extras and need their own tickets.
Seasons
The park runs all year, so you can fit it into a winter trip. Weather can still limit what runs. For monthly temperatures in Colorado Springs, see our weather and best-time guide.
The railroad and rafting are separate
Three different services share the name of the gorge.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
A separate operator runs the train. Listed fares start at $109 for Coach, $129 for Deluxe and $139 for Vista Dome. First Class with lunch or dinner is $199. These are separate from the bridge ticket, and the bridge admission does not include a train ride. Do not assume a combined ticket, and ask each operator.
Whitewater rafting
Rafting is sold by separate outfitters. The season, the water level and the stretch of river decide what is possible, so confirm dates and prices with the outfitter before you plan around a trip.
The bridge park
This is the attraction with the bridge, the gondola and the rides. Its ticket does not cover the train or rafting.
Combine it with the rest of your trip
The gorge works best as one day among several.
If you are staying in Colorado Springs, look at the other half-day and full-day options before you decide. Pikes Peak and the free Garden of the Gods need their own time, and the mineral springs in Manitou Springs fit in the evening. The cards below link to the pages that help with that.
Royal Gorge: frequently asked questions
How far is the Royal Gorge from Colorado Springs?
The operator gives about 60 miles (97 km) and 1.5 hours by car, using CO 115 south and US 50 west. A local tourism portal says about 1 hour. Treat both as rough and allow extra for traffic.
How much is the Royal Gorge Bridge ticket?
The 2026 online listing shows $39.95 for adults aged 12 and up and $34.95 for children aged 3 to 11. Children aged 2 and under are free but still need a ticket. The listing is valid through 31 October 2026, and taxes and fees can add to it.
Do I need to reserve a time to enter?
The operator states that no entry reservation is required. Check the website on the day, because weather can limit rides and the gondola.
Is the train included in the bridge ticket?
No. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a separate operator with its own fares, from $109 for Coach. Ask each operator before you count on a combined ticket.
Can I go rafting on the same day?
Rafting is booked with separate outfitters and depends on the season and water level. With a drive of 1 to 1.5 hours each way, a bridge visit plus a raft trip makes for a long day. Confirm times with the outfitter first.
Is the park open in winter?
The operator lists the park as open every day of the year, including holidays, with weather-dependent limits. Check the website before you drive.